The West Bengal government on Tuesday announced that schools and colleges in eight districts will remain closed from October 23 to 26 as a precautionary measure as the state is on a ‘high alert’ with Cyclone Dana likely to make landfall in coastal areas.
Ferry services will also remain suspended during this period.
According to the state government, the alert has been issued in eight districts — South 24 Paraganas, North 24 Paraganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Hooghly Howrah and Kolkata.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Tuesday warned of a severe cyclonic storm which is likely to cross the coast between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in Bengal, on Thursday night and early Friday morning. The cyclone will make landfall between October 23 and 25 along the coasts of the two states, with expected wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph, the forecast stated.
At a press conference, CM Banerjee said the state is fully prepared to handle the situation and has already initiated evacuation efforts in low-lying areas. She also criticised the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for its role in exacerbating the potential damage in coastal districts.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has also begun preparations to address the expected heavy rainfall in the city on Thursday and Friday due to the cyclone’s influence. Municipal Commissioner Dhabal Jain held meetings with officials to discuss the contingency plans.
Meanwhile, the weather office said the low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining northern Andaman Sea moved northwestwards and currently lay as a well-marked low-pressure area over east-central Bay of Bengal as of 11:30 am on Monday.
The state government has ordered to stop fishing activities, and the India Coast Guard is preparing for relief operations in view of the cyclone’s impending landfall.
For Bengal, the IMD has recommended “total suspension of fishing operations from October 23 to 25 over the northern Bay of Bengal,” as well as “judicious regulation of onshore/offshore, port and maritime activities including shipping, (and) surface transport including railways, roadways, and ferry services.”
The Indian Coast Guard said it is ready to provide assistance, rescue, and relief operations. “The ICG remains committed to ensuring the safety of the maritime community and mitigating the risks posed by Cyclone Dana,” read a statement by the ICG.
Among other measures, the ICG has reportedly deployed helicopters and remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip to broadcast regular weather warnings and safety advisories to fishermen and mariners. Additionally, the ICG personnel are reportedly working in coordination with the local administrations and disaster management authorities. Fishing communities have been informed through “various channels”, including village heads, to avoid venturing into the sea, it is learnt.
Authorities of Kolkata airport prepare for cyclone threat
The Kolkata airport authorities have started preparations to tackle any situation arising out of a possible cyclonic storm that could hit coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha on October 25, a senior official said on Tuesday.
The standard operating procedures such as inspection of the airport infrastructure and the drainage system, checking and servicing of all installations are being carried out, he said.
A meeting with stakeholders was held in the evening to discuss the developing weather situation, Director of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria, said. “We are expecting heavy rainfall, which may cause inundation in and around the airport premises. We are working closely with the state government to handle the situation,” Beuria said.
About the possible impact on flight operations, he said it will depend on the situation after the cyclone makes landfall. “Tomorrow at 12.30 pm, another review meeting will be conducted. The airport closure will depend upon crosswind speed, if it exceeds 70 kmph,” he said.